Weld probing apparatus



April 8, 1941. E. B. MAILLART MELD PROBING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet lFiled Oct. 19, 1959 ATTORNEY.

iowa/V06. MMM??? April 8, 1941. E. B. MAILLART WELD PROBING APPARATUSFiled Oct. 19, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 uhh n l l @l f INVENTOR.

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Patented Apr. 8, 1941 Edmond B. Maillart, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor toFrederick M. Bowers, Chester, Pa. y

Application october 19, 1939, serial No. 300,163'

(ci. zei-69) 19 Claims.

This invention has to do with the probing of a Weld and is concernedprimarily with the provision of novel apparatus for effecting weldprobing operations.

lin the various types of constructional work involving the joinder ofmetallic plates, such as steel plates, being welded it becomes necessaryfor inspection and testing purposes to probe the weld. Heretofore it hasbeen the practice to cut out cylindrical or conically shaped plugs orspecimens at appropriate points along the welded joints, and thesespecimens have been examined and tested to ascertain if the welded jointis satisfactory and will meet the necessary requirements.

- Obviously it becomes necessary to refill the openings, and in thosecases where the specimens are cylindrical it has been the practice totap the openings to form a thread, and screw in a plug that iscomplementally threaded. In those cases vvhere the specimen is conicalit has been impossible to obtain a completely solid specimen, as theconical specimen usually has a hole in the center thereof which is anecessary incident to the cutting out of the conical specimen. In viewof the undesirability of this marred conical specimen, and furtherinView of the difliculties and inconvenience which have been experiencedin the refilling of the cylindrically shaped openings,

this invention has in view, as its foremost objec tive, the provision ofnovel apparatus which may an irregular character that may be readilylled by a Welding material.

More in detail the invention has as an object -the provision ofapparatus which will cutout a solid specimen, leaving a recess in theWelded joint that has a comparatively Wide Vmouth on one face of theplate, and a small opening on Ithe opposite face of the plate.

Still more in detail the invention has in View, as an object, theprovision oi' weld probing apparatus which will cut out a solidboat-shaped specimen leaving a correspondingly shaped recess in thejoint.

in providing apparatus of the character above noted the inventionproposes the use of asaw blade in the form of a concavo-convex diskhaving saw teeth formed on its peripheral edge.

Pin important object of the invention is the provision of means foroperatively mounting this concave-convex saw blade so that-it may be fed-to the steel plates in a required manner. It is well recognized in themetal working arts that the cutting of steel by sawing operationsrequires that the sawu blade be nicely fed to theiwork, with thepressure on the blade accurately controlled. Otherwise there is gravedanger of the blade being damaged. The invention, therefore, has inview, as a further more detailed object, the provision of weld probingapparatus of the character above noted which includes means foryieldably urging the saw blade against the work. This yieldingapplication of feeding pressure on the saw blade provides semi-automaticfeeding and readily accommodates any dangerous andextraordinaryresistance to the rotation of the saw which might damage the blade ordevice. i

Inasrnuch as it is necessary to operate the saw blade to' first cut oneside of the boat-shaped specimen, and then remove the saw blade vfromthe Work and reposition the same to cut the other side, accuratepositioning of the cutting apparatus on the work `is an importantfactor.

Withthis condition in mind another highly important object of theinvention is the provision of apparatus of the character above notedwhich includes means for rigidly securing the same to the plates on eachside of the Weld which is to be probed. This feature of the invention isof extreme importance when it is remembered that the plates having theWelds which are to be probed assume various horizontal and verticalpositions, and it is often necessary to probe an overhead Weld.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of Weld probingapparatus of the character above described which includes aconcavo-convex saw blade of the type noted, together with power meansfor driving the same, and manually operable means for feeding the bladeto the work.

Still anothermore detailed object in view is the provision of suchapparatus which includes means for pivotally mounting the same on theplates having the weld which is to be tested. With the saw blade powerdriving means and feeding mechanism so pivotally mounted, the blade maybe readily swung from the position in which it cuts one side of theboat-shaped specimen over into the position in which the other 'side iscut. This pivotal mounting of the blade and associated mechanism permitsof the speci men being cut at any desired angle with respect to the lineof the welded joint.

Yet another object of the invention is the pro(- visionof weld probingapparatus of the character above noted which includes a supportingframe-- work which is anchored to the plates by tack welding.

More in detail the invention contemplates an arrangement wherein therequired number of bolts have their heads tack welded to the plates atappropriate points, and these bolts extend through openings in themounting framework and nuts screw thereon to securely bolt the frameworkin position.

Another highly important object of the invention is the provision ofweld probing apparatus of the character above noted which may be readilyadjusted to provide boat-shaped specimens of different sizes whichgenerallycorrespond to the thickness of the plates having thebutt-welded joints.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention suchas arise in connection with carrying out the above noted objectives in apractical -embodiment will in part become apparent, and in part behereinafter stated, as the description of the inve'ntion proceeds.

The invention, therefore, comprises novel weld probing apparatus whichmay be operated to cut out a. solid, intact boat-shaped specimen from awelded joint at any angle with respect to the line of the joint itself.

This application is a continuation in part of the (so-pendingapplication of Edmond B. Mail- .l

lart, Serial No. 233,762, led October 7, 1938, and entitled Method ofand apparatus for probing aweld.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention referencemay be had to the following description and accompanying drawings,wherein l Figure 1 is a top plan view of weld-probing apparatus made inaccordance with the precepts of this invention with parts broken away,

Figure 2 is a side view taken as a section through the apparatus abouton the plane represented by the line 2-2 of Figure 3,

Figure 3 is a side view normal to the showing of Figure 2, with partsbeing shown in elevation and parts .in section,

Figure 4 is a side view of the supporting framework bringing lout indotted lines several removable pieces, any one of which is attached tothe framework in accordance with the size of the specimen which isv tobe cut from the welded joint,

Figure 5 is a detailed view in perspective of a template which isemployed in tack welding the anchoring bolts to theV plates,

Figure 6 ,is a fragmentary view in side elevation showing the mode ofusage of the template, and

Figure 7 is a detailed perspective showing the specimen as removed fromthe plates in an exploded relationship.

Referring now to the drawings. wherein like reference characters denotecorresponding parts, and more particularly to Figure 2. two steel platesare identified at P1 and P2 and are butt-welded together by abutt-welded joint referred to generally as W.

The apparatus of this invention hereinafter to be described is intendedto cut a boat-shaped specimen from the joint W, such a specimen beingshown in Figure '1' and identied by vthe reference character S. Theapparatus for cutting out the specimen S comprises -a mounting frameworkI0 of generally rectangular formation which is formed with bolt openingsll at each corner. Threaded bolts I2 having heads I3 are tack welded tothe plates P1 and Pz, as shown at I4 in Figure 6.

' To insure of accurate positioning of the bolts I2, a template, such asshown in Figure 5, may be employed. This template is designated I5, andthe bolt openings I6 therein have relative positions that exactlycorrespond to the openings II in the mounting framework I 0. Thus a boltI2 is positioned in each of the openings I6 of the templates |5,whereupon the latter is positioned over the plates Pi and Pz with thespotting opening I1 directly overlying the weld Wl The template I5 haseach side edge formed with gauges in the form of a stepped recess 9 toadapt the template to joints of varying widths. The heads I3 of thebolts I2 are then tackl welded to the plates P1 and Pz, after which the`template I5-is removed.

The supporting framework IIJ is now positioned with' the bolts I2 beingreceived in the openings I I, whereupon nuts I8 are screwed on thethreaded extremities of the bolts l2 to securely clamp the mountingAframework I0 in position.

Referring more particularly to Figure 4, the framework II)v is shown ashaving downwardly depending central portions I9 that are disposedessentially centrally of the framework. These downwardly dependingportions I9 are formed with central recesses in which are received yokes2| having legs 22 that are designed to straddle the. weld W. These yokes2| are detachably held in position in the recesses 20 by the screw boltshown at 23, and in accordance with the broken line showing of Figure 4may be replaced by other yokes 2| having legs 22 of varying length. Thelength of these legs 22 will depend upon the size ol the boat-shapedspecimen whichis to be removed. It suiiices to say at this time that theextremities of the legs 22 engage the plates on each side of the weld W.

The mounting framework Ill'is formed with a large circular opening 24 inwhich is mounted a swivel carriage identified at 25. In this connectionit is notable that the cross sectional shape of the framework lll aboutthe opening 24 is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and is shown asincluding a lower truncated conical wall 26 and an upper truncatedconical wall 21 of larger diameter that ls connected to the lowerconical wall 26 by the horizontal wall 28.

The swivel carriage has a ring-like surface 29 corresponding to 4thewall 28 and in engagement therewith, and an outer conical wall 30 whichmight be said to be complemcntal to the truncated conical surface 21.

The swivel carriage 25 is formed with a pair of supporting arms 3| thatare disposed in parallel relationship and which are formed with threadedopenings designated 32.

The arms 3| include structural parts that extend beneath the mountingframe I0 and engage the surface 26, as shown in Figure 3.

Screwed into each of the openings 32 is a pivot pin 33 that is held inposition by a lock washer 34 that is in turn anchored to the swivelcarriage 25 by a set screw shown at 35. It will be noted that the lockwasher 34 has a non-circular opening that is complemental to andreceives a noncircnlar head 36 on the pin 33.

The inner end of each of the pins 33 extends beyond the arms 3| and isof alformation constituting the same a trunnion, which is designated 31.The trunnions 31 are received in recesses 38 formed in bearing members39. These the trunnions 31.

46, the latter having a surface at 41 that engages the truncated conicalsurface 26 on th mounting framework ||J. 'I'he bolt 45 is held againstrotation lby a pin 48 one end of which is anchored in part 42, and theother of which is received in a recess 49 in cap headV 46. A nut 56 toclamp the swivel carriage 25 against swinging movement. However, whenthe swivel carriage tti is to be swung around to another position thismaybe accomplished merely by loosening the nut tit.

t is evident that the engagement of the head 46 withthe surface 26, aswell as the similar engagement of the legs 3| therewith, serves tomaintain the swivel carriage 25 assembled with the frame lregardless ofwhich position the apparatus may7 assume in use. l

` lt is evident that the carriage 4I is mounted lfor swinging movementon a horizontal axis as dened by the trunnions 31. This carriage 4|includes an end structure designated 5| formed with an opening 52 thatis threaded at its outer end, as shown at 53, and which opening carriesa bearing assembly referred to in its entirety at iid. A second bearingassembly 55 is disposed more centrally of the carriage 4| and inalignment with the *bearing assembly 54. This secl ond bearing assembly55 is carried by a cage 56 .that is in turn carried by a Wall 51 of thecarriage 4|.

the initial position of the saw these teeth engage one of the plates P1or Pz intermediate of thev The swinging carriage i wardly extendingcap-like structure designated 1|, which carries a hinged nut 12 that ispivotally mounted thereon. A feed screw 13 is threaded through the nut12, and at its upper end carries an operating member in the form of ahand wheel 14.

A bearing member 15 is pivotally mounted on brackets 16 that upstandfrom the swivel carriage 2 5.Y This bearing member 15 is formed with acup-shaped recess 11. At the upper end the recess 11 terminates in awall 18 which is formed with an opening 19. The lower end of the feedscrew 13 is of a reduced diameter and free from threads, the reducedportion being designated 8U. This reduced portion 86 extends through theopening 19 into the cup-shaped recess 11. A col lar 8| is slidable inthe recess 11 and is connected to the reduced portion 80 of the feedscrew 13 as by a pin shown at 82.

The bearing member 15 carries, at its outer side speaking with referenceto the swivel carriage, an offset portion or ear 83 formed with athreaded socket 84. A stem 85 has its lower end screwed into thethreaded socket 84. |This stem 85 extends upwardly in a directionsubstantially parallel to the feed screw 13 and is spaced therefrom.

The upper portion of thestem 85 is cut away to provide a plane surface86 in which are formed a plurality of notches 81. An abutment member 88is formed with an opening 89 that receivesthe upper portion of the stem85. This abutment I member 88 carries a set screw 90 having a pointed Ashaft 58 extends through' the bearing assem- 'blies' 54 and 55, vbeinganchored to theninner members designated. 59 and 60, and intermediatethese members 59 and 68 carries a worm gear lil that is keyed thereto,as shown'at 62. Meshingvvith the worm gear 6| is a worm 63 that iskeyed, as shown at 64, to a shaft 65 that constitutes the drive shaft of an-electric motor rey tatably mounted in plate 94; these plates areheld l The structure of this .carriage is continued toV provide asuitable housing and support for this motor 66. K

The "shaft 58 extends beyond the cage 56 and ak concavo-convex sawblade' 61 is drivably mounted thereon by the structural arrangementshown in Figure 2 andreferred to in its entirety bythe referencecharacter 68. This saw blade 61 is defined by a portion of a hollowsphere, the.

center of which is located on the axis defined by A nut at 69 securelyholds the blade 61 and associated supporting structure in position onthe shaft 58.' I

Tt is notable that the saw blade 61 has its peripheral edge formed withsaw teeth 18, and in llation with respect thereto.

extremity 9| that `is complementa] to the notches 81. This pointed end9| is adapted to be received in any of the notches 81 to maintain theabutment member 88 in an adjusted position.

A sleeve 92 encircles the stem 85in spaced re- This sleeve 92 is formedwith a slot 93 which accommodates that portion of the abutment member 88that extends therethrough and which carries the set screw 90. At itslower end the sleeve 93 is secured to an end supporting plateV 94 thatis slidable about. the stem 85. The screw 13 has an upper end rotatablymounted in plate 95, and a lower'portion roin fixed relation to eachother by sleeve 92. At' its upper end the sleeve 92 carries an endclosure shown at 96. C

A coil spring 91 is disposed about the stem 85 and interposed betweenthe `lower end plate 94 and the abutment member 88. Another coil spring98 is located on the opposite side of the abutment member 88 and engagesthe end closure 96. This spring 98 encircles the upper portion of thestem 85. A vertically adjustable set screw 99 limits feeding of the sawto the work.

The mode of operation of the above described apparatus may be brieflyoutlined as follows:

Two yokes 2| having legs 22 of proper length corresponding to thethickness ofthe plates P1 and P2 or the size of the specimen to beremoved,

are positioned in the recesses 20 of the mounting frame Il)l prior toapplicationr of the mounting frame IIJv tothe bolts After the mountingframe I0 has been securely clamped in position by the nuts I8, the 'handWheel 14 is operated to turn the feed screw 13 to move the swingingcarriage 4| about` the pivotal axis defined by the trunnions 31 so thatthe saw teeth 16 are posi- 4| isv formed with afor-v tioned slightlyabove the surface of the respective plate Pi or P2.` The motor M is nowstarted in operation and the power therefrom transmitted through driveshaft 65, worm 63, wornigear 6I and shaft 58 to drive the saw 61 underpower.

As the saw blad 61 rotates rapidly. the hand wheel 14 is manuallyoperated to turn the feed screw 13. In most working positions, as thisfeed screw 13 is rotated, it 'compresses spring 91 and cap-likestructure 1I is moved yieldably toward the weld. At any moment in thesepositions, when the normal amount of pressure applied to the springmight be excessive, due to extraordinary resistance to rotation of thesaw, the pressure is relieved through spring 91 and upon cessation ofthe unusual resistance the spring yieldably again feeds the saw to theweld.

To test a weld in a substantially vertical wall with the axis of pivotpins 33 above the saw 61, the spring 98 is placed under compression bymovement of abutment 80 to relieve the saw of the excess pressure causedby the effect of gravity in this particular position. In positionsgenerally similar to this one, gravity alone exerts sufiicient pressureto urge thel saw into the weld and it is desirable to offset gravitypressure by spring 98 to some extent.- In such positions, if therotation of the saw is resisted an extraordinary amount, it can'moveaway from the weld against gravity and then is moved into the weld bygravity when the resistance is passed.

Thus, in all positions yieldable and semi-automatic feeding isprovideddue to the construction and operation of the parts. It isnecessary alone for the operator to compensate for the progress tion,because the nut 50 will have been tightened, causing-the surface 41 ofthe head 46 to engage the surface 26 of the mounting frame I0. Moreover,this swivel carriage will have been rotated to accurately position thesaw blade 61, the callbrations at on the swivel carriage 25 cooperatingwith one of the pointers l0| on the mounting frame I0.

After the saw blade 61 is raised out of the cut which has been formed inthe plate P1, the nut 50 is loosened and the swivel carriage swungaround substantially 180 so that the saw blade 61 is positioned to formthe cut in the plate Pz, which completes the cutting out of theboat-like specimen. Again accurate positioning of the saw blade may behad due to the calibrations |00 and pointer l0| on carriage 25 and frameI0, respectively.

After the boat-like specimen has been cut out the probing apparatusmaybe removed by taking olf the nuts I0 and lifting the framework I0from the bolts I2. The latter may now be knocked off as the tack welds I4 may be easily fractured) and vthe recess left by the removal of thesprcimen S may be readily filled by using an appropriate weldingmaterial.

It is evident that the apparatus above described is of a compact nature,and it is necessary to mount the same on the plates but once, and whichmounting suffices for forming both the cuts necessary to taking out theboat-shaped specimen. Moreover, means are provided for insuring that thesaw blade is accurately positioned for the formation of the cuts.Furthermore, the mechanism for feeding the saw blade to the work.insures against injury to the blade.

Moreover, the means provided for feeding the saw blade to the work is ofa yielding nature power means for driving said saw, and mecha- V nismfor yieldably feeding said saw to the work which is to be cut.

2. Weld probing apparatus of the character described comprising amounting framework, means for anchoring said framework to plates havinga welded joint which is to be probed, a

concave-convex saw operatively carried by said.

framework, power means for driving said saw, and mechanism for feedingsaid saw to the plates.

3. Weld probing apparatus ofthe character described comprising amounting framework, means for anchoring said mounting framwork to plateshaving a Weld which is Ato be probed, a swivel carriage rotatablymounted in said framework, a cutting element operatively carried by saidswivel carriage, means for driving said cutting element, and lockingmeans for detachably locking said carriage in position in saidframework.

4. Weld probing apparatus of the characterI described comprising amounting framework, means for anchoring said framework to plates havinga welded joint that is to be probed, a swivel carriage rotatably mountedin said framework, a swinging carriage pivotally mounted on an axisnormal to the'axis of said swivel carriage, a cutting element carried bysaid swinging carriage, and mechanism for moving said swinging carriageon its axis to feed the cutting element to the plate which is to -becut.

5. In weld probing apparatus of the character described, a cuttingelement for cutting a weld, means for driving said cutting element,mechanism for feeding said cutting element to the weld, and carriagestructure for supporting said cutting element in effective positioncomprising a mounting framework, and a swivel carriage rotatably mountedin the mounting framework and which swivel carriage carries the saidcutting element and associated mechanism.

6. In weld probing apparatus of thecharacter described, a cuttingelement for cuttingy a weld, means for driving said Vcutting element,mechanism for feeding said cutting element to the weld, and carriagestructure for supporting said cutting element in effective positioncomprising a mounting framework, means for anchoring the framework onthe plates having a weld which is to be probed, a swivel carriagerotatably mounted in the framework and carrying said cutting element andassociated 'mechamsm, and indicia on said carriage and frameworkrespectively for indicating the position of said cutting element withrespect to the weld which is to be probed.

'7. In weld probing apparatus of the character described, a cuttingelement for cutting a weld, means for driving said cutting element,mechanism for feeding said cutting element to means for driving saidcutting element, mechanism for feeding said cutting element to the weld,and carriage structure for supporting said cutting element in effectiveposition comprising a mounting framework, a swivel carriage carried bysaid framework to rotate on an axis perpendicular to the plates havingthe weld which is to' be probed, a swinging carriage mounted for pivotalmovement on an axis substantially parallel to the said plates, a drivekshaft rotatably mounted in said swinging carriage carrying said cuttingelement at one end and drivably vconnected to said driving means, andmechanism for varying the angular position of said swinging carriage tofeed or withdraw the cutting element to or from the plates.

il. ln.- weld probing apparatus of the character described, a swivelcarriage, and a swinging carriage pivotall'y mounted on said swivelcarriage, mechanism for adjusting the relative position of said swingingcarriage with respect to the swivel carriage comprising a threaded nut.hingedly mounted on the said swinging carriage, a bearing elementhingedly mounted on the swivel carriage, a feed screw threaded in saidnut and passing through said bearing element, yielding f means forcontrolling longitudinal movement of said feed screw with respect to thebearing element, and an operating member for said feed screw.

lil. In weld probing apparatus of the character described. structure formounting a cutting element and its associated operatinginstrumentalities on plates having a weld which is to be probed,comprising a mounting framework formed with a plurality of openings, anda corresponding number of fastening elements passing through saidopenings and tack welded to the plates.

ll. In weld probing apparatus vof the character described, structure formounting a cutting element and its associated operatinginstrumentalities on plates. having a weld. which is to be probedcomprising a mounting framework having a plurality of openings therein,a plurality of threaded bolts corresponding in number to the openings inthe framework having their heads l probed comprising a mountingframework formed with a plurality of openings, a corresponding number offastening elements passing through said openings and tack welded to theplates,

and a yoke detachably' secured to said frame-' work and having dependinglegs that are adapted to engage the plates on each side of the weldwhich is to be probed.

13. In weld probingapparatus of the character described, the combinationwith a mounting framework of a swinging carriage pivotallj,r mountedthereon, screw mechanism for adjusting the position of said swingingcarriage with respectto said framework, and yielding means associatedwith said screw mechanism whereby the effect of said screw mechanism isrendered of a yielding nature.

14. Mechanism for positioningV weld probing apparatus on plates having aweld which is to be probed comprising a template having a centralportion adapted to engage and overlie a welded joint, said centralportion being formed with a spotting opening, inclined side portionsextending outwardly from said central portions, and i structure at thecorner of each of said side portions formed with openings designed tocarry bolts in a required spaced relation.

15. Weld probing apparatus of the character described comprising amounting framework, means for anchoring said framework to plates havinga welded joint which is to be probed, a cutting element` movably carriedby said framework, mechanism for feeding said cutting element to saidplates, and means for adjusting the effective position of said cuttingelement.

16. Weld probing apparatus of' the character described comprising amounting framework, means for anchoring said framework to plates havinga welded joint which is to be probed, a rotating cutting element movablymounted in said framework, power means for driving said cutting element,and means for adjusting the effective position of said cutting element.

17. In weld probing apparatus'of the character described the combinationwithA a mounting framework, a swivel carriage mounted onsaid framework,a swinging carriage pivotally mounted on said swivel carriage, and afeed screw for adjusting the position of said swinging carriage withrespect to said swivel carriage, of means associated' with said feedscrew and carriage for rendering feeding actuation of said swingingcarriage of a yielding nature, said means comprising a sleeve carried bysaid feed screw, a rod within said sleeve-having one end anchored tosaid swivel carriage, an adjustable abutment member carried by said rod,a spring interposed between said abutment member andorre end of saidsleeve, and a second spring interposed between the abutment member andthe other end of said sleeve.

18. vIn weld probing apparatus of the character described thecombination with a mounting framework, a swivel carriage mounted on saidframework, a swinging carriage pivotally mounted on said swivelcarriage, and a feed screw for adjusting the position of said swingingcarriage with respect to said swivel carriage, of meansJ f associatedwith said feed screw and carriage for rendering feeding actuation ofsaid fswinging carriage of a yielding nature, said means comprising asleeve carried by, said feed screw and disposed in spaced parallel.relation with respect thereto,a rod having one end anchored to saidswivel carriage and extending upwardly into said sleeve, an abutmentmember adjustable on said rod, means for holding said abutment member inan adjusted position, an end closure for said sleeve at the top, aspring in said sleeve interposed between said end closure and saidabutment member, and a second spring disposed in said sleeve about saidrod engaging the abutment member at one end and the lower sleeve end atthe other.

19. In weld probing apparatus of the character described the combinationwith a. mounting framework, a swivel carriage mounted on said framework,a swinging carriage pivotaiiy mounted on said swivel carriage, and afeed screw for adjusting the position of said swinging carriage withrespect to said swivel carriage, of means associated with said feedscrew and carriage for rendering feeding actuation of said swingingcarriage of a yielding nature, said means comprising a pair of springsassociated with said feed screw, and means for rendering one of saidsprings effective whereby gravity action is either 10 opposed or aidedby one of said springs.

EDMOND B. MAILLART.

